In a concerted effort to enhance the safety and online experience of teenagers using social media, Instagram has launched a new feature known as Instagram Teen Accounts. This initiative is specifically designed to create a secure and age-appropriate environment for teens while offering peace of mind to parents who are concerned about their children’s online activities. The new accounts come with pre-activated protections that aim to minimize unwanted interactions, exposure to inappropriate content, and instances of bullying and harassment.
Understanding the importance of addressing cyberbullying, particularly within school settings, Instagram has introduced an innovative School Partnership Program. This program is currently being piloted across middle and high schools in the United States. Developed in collaboration with the International Society for Technology in Education and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ISTE+ASCD), the program empowers educators to directly report potential safety issues concerning teenagers to Instagram.
According to Dr. Sameer Hinduja, Co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, their research reveals a concerning statistic—only 13% of students who experience cyberbullying report it to school authorities. A significant reason for this low reporting rate is the belief that educators are often unable to take effective action. Instagram’s School Partnership Program aims to change this narrative by facilitating swift and effective resolutions to issues identified by both students and educators.
Recognizing the critical role that teachers and parents play in guiding teenagers through the digital landscape, Instagram has introduced features that allow parents to restrict their teens’ access to the platform during school hours. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that social media does not become a distraction from education. For educators seeking to address online safety and bullying, the program offers an additional tool to manage these challenges effectively.
The initial feedback from the program has been promising. D.J. Ashford, a Studio Art and Media Teacher at Muwekma Ohlone Middle School, shared that within just a week of their partnership with Instagram, they saw a noticeable reduction in bullying and harassing posts. Instagram’s prioritization of verified school accounts and their prompt response to reports has been instrumental in reducing student anxiety and enhancing safety. Furthermore, Instagram provides numerous resources aimed at preventing issues before they arise, supporting both students and families in maintaining a safe online environment.
Over the past year, Instagram has worked closely with ISTE+ASCD to pilot the School Partnership Program across 60 schools. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, leading to a decision to expand the program’s enrollment to more schools. Schools that opt to join the program are offered several benefits, including:
Prioritized Reporting
Reports submitted by participating schools that potentially breach Instagram’s Community Standards will be given priority in the review process. Schools will receive updates on the status of their reports and notifications when actions are taken.
Educational Resources
Instagram will provide tools and resources to help educators, parents, guardians, and students navigate the platform safely and effectively.
Profile Banner
Participating schools will receive a special banner on their Instagram profiles, indicating their official partnership status. This banner provides parents and students with more information about the school partnership program when tapped.
Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that educational leaders have long sought greater control over social media to foster a healthy digital culture within schools. The new system ensures that school reports are acknowledged and addressed in a timely and purposeful manner.
Middle and high schools in the U.S. interested in joining the School Partnerships Program can join the waitlist by navigating to Instagram settings, selecting ‘Account type and tools’ or ‘Business tools and controls,’ and following the step-by-step instructions provided here. Schools can also visit about.instagram.com/community/educators for more information and to sign up for the waitlist.
Instagram’s commitment to youth safety underscores the platform’s broader mission to create a more supportive and secure online space for its users. As schools across the nation begin to engage with this program, the hope is that it will pave the way for a significant reduction in cyberbullying and enhance the overall well-being of young social media users.
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